Hey, news buffs! China just took its maritime game to the next level by inaugurating a permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) 🚢🌐. This move signals a deeper commitment to global shipping and supply chain security.
The inauguration reception was held this Tuesday at the Chinese Embassy in London. Hosted by Zheng Zeguang, the Chinese ambassador to the UK and China’s permanent representative to the IMO, and Li Yang, vice minister of transport and head of China’s delegation to the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, the event brought together nearly 300 guests. Attendees included IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues, heads of delegations, diplomats, and industry experts.
In his opening remarks, Zheng emphasized that "maritime transport is an important link between China and the rest of the world." He praised the IMO Secretariat and member states for their cooperation and highlighted China’s support for the IMO as a specialized UN agency. 🤝
Zheng added that the new mission will help strengthen global maritime governance and boost the security and resilience of industrial and supply chains. He also noted China’s plan to push forward with high-quality development and high-standard opening up.
Li Yang echoed the commitment, stating that China will "earnestly fulfill its obligations under international conventions" and use the permanent mission to expand cooperation with other IMO members. His goal? To build a modern maritime transport system and drive global economic growth.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues and other guests congratulated China on this milestone, praising its achievements in the maritime sector and its contributions to international shipping collaboration.
Why it matters: A stronger Chinese presence at the IMO could mean smoother trade routes, more reliable supply chains, and fresh ideas for greener, safer seas. Keep an eye on how this new mission shapes the future of global shipping! 🌍
Reference(s):
cgtn.com